HC Deb 28 January 1947 vol 432 cc760-1
40 and 41. Mr. Manninggham-Buller

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether he is aware that officers of Sea Cadets, J.T.C. and A.T.C. receive the pay of their rank for a maximum period of 15 days a year while on courses of instruction, and that officers of the A.C.F. do nor; and what action he proposes to take with regard thereto;

(2) whether he is aware that, whereas officers of the Sea Cadets, J.T.C. and A.T.C. are entitled to first-class travel warrants, officers of the A.C.F. are only granted third-class warrants; and whether he proposes to bring the conditions of service of officers of the A.C.F. into line with those of officer, of the Sea Cadets, J.T.C. and A.T.C.

Mr. Bellenger

I cannot at present add anything to the reply given on 22nd October, 1946, by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary, to the hon. Member for Woodbridge (Mr. Hare), of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

Mr. Manningham-Buller

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any indication how long it will be before these anomalies are eliminated?

Mr. Bellenger

I hope it will not be too long. The matter is, if I may say so, under active consideration.

Earl Winterton

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of us who are members of Territorial Army associations, or otherwise interested in the cadet movement, are feeling growing disquiet at the length of time which has elapsed before a decision is reached in this case, which is most harmful to the Army Cadet Force?

Mr. Bellenger

Yes, Sir, we are doing our best. We appreciate that, and we want to do the most we can to encourage these volunteers. I hope some definite decision will be arrived at shortly.